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264 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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abomasum |
Fourth stomach compartment of cattle that corresponds to the true stomach of monogastric animals. |
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Abortion
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Delivery of fetus between time of conception and normal parturition.
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Abscess
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Localized collection of pus in a cavity formed by disintegration of tissues.
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accrual method of accounting
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Accounting method whereby revenue and expenses are recorded when they are earned or incurred regardless of when the cash is received or paid.
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accuracy or ACC (of selection)
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Confidence that can be placed in the EPD (expected progeny difference); for example, high (0.70 and above), medium (0.40- 0.69), and low (below 0.40).
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acetonemia
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Condition characterized by a high concentration of ketone bodies in the body tissues and fluids. Also called ketosis.
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acidosis
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A high-acid condition in the rumen (pH 5.3-5.7) caused by rapid consumption or overconsumption of readily fermentable feed; may cause digestive disturbance and/or death.
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ADG
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Average daily gain. Pounds of liveweight gained per day averaged over a period of time. e.g. Total pounds gained in gain period ÷ days in gain period = average daily gain.
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adjusted weaning weight
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Weaning weight of a calf is adjusted to a standard age (205 days) and age of dam (5-9 years of age).
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adjusted yearling weight
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Yearling weight of a calf is adjusted to a standard age (365 days) by adding (160 times average daily post-weaning gain) to the adjusted 205-day weight (see also adjusted weaning weight).
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ad lib
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ad libitum. Free choice; allowing cattle access to all they want. Typically refers to feed and water. (e.g. fed ad lib)
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ad libitum (ad lib)
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Free choice; allowing cattle access to all they want. Typically refers to feed and water. (e.g. fed ad lib)
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afterbirth
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Fetal membranes that are expelled after parturition. See also placenta.
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AHIR
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Angus herd improvement records. Performance records program administered by the American Angus Association.
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AI
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Artificial insemination. Placing semen into the female reproductive tract (usually the cervix or uterus) by means other than natural service.
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AI certificate
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A certificate issued by some breed associations that must be submitted before AI calves can be registered.
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alliance
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An organization in the beef industry (horizontal or vertical) designed to improve profitability by improving coordination of beef production, processing, and/or merchandising.
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American Meat Institute (AMI)
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Association of meatpacking and processing companies.
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American National Cattlewomen (ANCW)
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Organization of women involved in the promotion of beef through education and consumer relations programs.
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AMI
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American Meat Institute. Association of meatpacking and processing companies.
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amnion
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Fluid-filled membrane located next to the fetus.
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ANCW
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American National Cattlewomen. Organization of women involved in the promotion of beef through education and consumer relations programs.
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anestrous
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Period of time when the female is not in estrus; the nonbreeding season.
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Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR)
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Performance records program administered by the American Angus Association.
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animal unit (AU)
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A generalized unit for describing stocking density, stocking rate and carry capacity. Usually accepted to be a 1,000-lb cow with calf or 1.4 yearling cattle.
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annual cow cost
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Cost (dollars) to keep a cow for a year. Includes the value of: the amount of harvested forage fed, the number of pasture days, operating costs, fixed costs, hours of labor, herd size, percent calf crop, and weaning weight.
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animal unit month (AUM)
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Amount of feed or forage required to maintain one animal unit (see also animal unit) for one month.
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ante mortem
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Before death.
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anthelmintic or antihelminthic
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Drug or chemical agent used to kill or remove internal parasitic worms (helminths).
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antibiotic
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Product produced by living organisms such as yeast that destroys or inhibits the growth of other organisms, especially bacteria.
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antibody
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Specific protein molecule that is produced in response to a foreign protein (antigen) that has been introduced into the body.
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antigen
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Foreign substance that, when introduced into the blood or tissues, causes the formation of antibodies. Antigens may be a toxin or other foreign substance or may be produced within the organism such as a native protein.
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appreciation
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Increase in the value of a capital asset (e.g., land) due to external influences such as inflation.
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arteriosclerosis
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Disease resulting in the thickening and hardening of the artery walls.
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artificial insemination (AI)
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Placing semen into the female reproductive tract (usually the cervix or uterus) by means other than natural service.
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artificial vagina
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Device used to collect semen from a male while he mounts in a normal manner to copulate. The bull ejaculates into this device, which simulates the vagina of the female in pressure, temperature, and sensation to the penis.
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as fed
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Feeding of feeds that contain their normal amount of moisture.
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assets
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Items of value owned by a beef business or producer.
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atherosclerosis
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Form of arteriosclerosis involving fatty deposits in the inner walls of the arteries. See also arteriosclerosis.
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atrophy
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Shrinking or wasting away of tissue.
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Auction
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Market for cattle through which an auctioneer sells cattle to the highest bidder.
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AUM
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Animal unit month. Amount of feed or forage required to maintain one animal unit (see also animal unit) for one month.
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autopsy
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Post-mortem examination in which the body is dissected to determine cause of death. See also necropsy.
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average daily gain
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Pounds of liveweight gained per day averaged over a period of time. e.g. Total pounds gained in gain period ÷ days in gain period = average daily gain.
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backcross
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Mating of a two-breed crossbred offspring back to one of its parental breeds.
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backfat
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Amount (thickness) of fat over the animal’s back, usually measured at the twelfth to thirteenth rib.
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backgrounding
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Growing program, typically grazing or feeding harvested feed, for feeder cattle from time calves are weaned until they are on a finishing ration in the feedlot.
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balance sheet
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Financial statement that summarizes assets, liabilities, and net worth at a specific point in time. See also net worth statement.
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balling gun
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Instrument inserted into the animal’s throat to discharge pills.
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Bang’s disease
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Contagious bacterial disease that results in abortions. See also Brucellosis.
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barren
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Incapable of producing offspring.
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basis
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Difference between the cash market price and the futures market price.
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BCS
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Body condition score. A visual score (usually 1 = thin; 9 = very fat) for body fatness. BCS is typically related to postpartum interval in beef females and other factors such as feeding regime.
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BCTRC
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Boneless, closely trimmed retail cuts from round, loin, rib, and chuck.
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beef
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Meat from cattle (bovine species) other than calves. Meat from a calf is called veal.
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beefalo
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Hybrid animal (potentially fertile) resulting from a cross between domestic cattle and bison resulting in 5/8 Bos taurus and 3/8 Bison bison genetics. See also cattalo.
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beef belt
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Area of the United States where commercial beef production, harvesting (slaughtering), and processing are concentrated.
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Beef Breeds Council
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National organization of beef breed associations.
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Beef Checkoff program
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Beef Promotion and Research Act established in October 1986. Each time cattle are marketed, $1 per head is paid by the seller to the Beef Industry Council (BIC). Money is used in promotion, research, and education. Generates approximately $70 million per year.
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Beef Improvement Federation (BIF)
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A federation of organizations, businesses, and individuals interested or involved in performance evaluation of beef cattle.
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Beef promotion and research program
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Beef Checkoff program. Beef Promotion and Research Act established in October 1986. Each time cattle are marketed, $1 per head is paid by the seller to the Beef Industry Council (BIC). Money is used in promotion, research, and education. Generates approximately $70 million per year.
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Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)
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Program(s) designed to help beef producers implement good management and production methods which help prevent defects in beef products.
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BIF
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Beef Improvement Federation. A federation of organizations, businesses, and individuals interested or involved in performance evaluation of beef cattle.
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bioeconomic trait
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Any biological trait of economic importance.
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biological efficiency
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Ratio of physical input to physical output (e.g., pounds of feed per 100 lb. of gain).
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biological type
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Usually refers to size of cattle (large, medium, or small), growth rate, milk production (high, medium, or low), and age a puberty.
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biotechnology
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Use of microorganisms, plant cells, and animal cells or parts of cells (such as enzymes) to produce industrially-important products or processes.
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birth weight (BW or B.Wt.)
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Weight of a calf taken within 24 hours after birth.
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birth weight EPD
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The expected average change (increase or decrease) in birth weight (lb) of a bull’s calves when compared to other bulls in the same sire summary. A plus figure indicates an increase in birth weight, while a negative value is a decrease. The value is a measure of calving ease. See also expected progeny difference (EPD).
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birth weight ratio
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Compares the individual birth weight of a calf to the herd average. Usually calculated within gender.
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bloat
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Abnormal condition characterized by a distention of the rumen, usually seen on the left side, due to an accumulation of gases.
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bloom
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Haircoat usually has a luster (shine) that gives the appearance of a healthy animal.
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BLUP
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Best linear unbiased prediction method for estimating the breeding values of breeding animals.
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body condition score (BCS)
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A visual score (usually 1 = thin; 9 = very fat) for body fatness. BCS is typically related to postpartum interval in beef females and other factors such as feeding regime.
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bolus
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(1) Regurgitated food. (2) Large pill for treating cattle.
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Bos indicus
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Zebu (humped) cattle, including the Brahman breed in the United States.
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Bos taurus
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Includes most cattle found in the United States and their European ancestors.
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bovine
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Refers to a general family grouping of cattle.
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bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
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A degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system of cattle.
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bovine viral diarrhea (BVD)
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Viral disease in cattle that can cause diarrhea, lesions of the digestive tract, and repeated breeding, abortion, mummification, and congenital defects.
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boxed beef
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Cuts of beef put in boxes for shipping from packing plant to retailers. These primal (rounds, loins, ribs, and chucks) and subprimal cuts are intermediate cuts between the carcass and retail cuts.
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BQA
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Program(s) designed to help beef producers implement good management and production methods which help prevent defects in beef products.
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brand
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(1) Permanent identification of cattle, usually made on the hide with hot-iron or freeze branding. (2) Process of branding.
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branded beef product
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A specifically labeled product that is differentiated from commodity items by its brand name. e.g. Certified Angus Beef, Laura’s Lean, or Cattlemen’s Collection.
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breakeven price
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Volume of output or price received/unit that is required for revenue to equal the total of fixed and variable expenses.
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breaking
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Cutting carcasses into primal and subprimal cuts.
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bred
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Female has been mated to a bull, usually assumed to be pregnant.
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breech
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A breech presentation at birth occurs when the rear portion of the fetus is presented first, either feet or buttocks first.
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breed
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Cattle of common origin and having characteristics that distinguish them from other groups within the same species.
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breed complimentarity
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Combining breeds to take advantage of breed superiority for specific traits.
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breeder
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In most beef breed associations, the owner of the dam of a calf at the time the dam was mated or bred to produce that calf.
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breeding soundness examination (BSE)
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Evaluation of the reproductive potential of the bull giving the reproductive trait; a physical examination, measuring involves scrotal circumference, and evaluating a semen sample for motility and morphology.
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breeding value |
Value of an animal as a parent. The working definition is twice the difference in performance between a very large number of progeny and the population average when individuals are mated at random within the population and all progeny are managed alike. The difference is doubled because only a sample half (one gene of each pair) is transmitted from a parent to each progeny.
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brisket disease
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Noninfectious disease of cattle characterized by congestive right heart failure. It affects animals residing at high altitudes (usually above 7,000 ft). Sometimes referred to as “high mountain disease” or “high altitude disease.”
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British breeds
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Cattle breeds originating in Great Britain. e.g. Angus, Hereford, and Shorthorn. |
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brockle-faced
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White-faced with other colors splotched on the face and head.
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broken mouth
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Some teeth are missing or broken.
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broker
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Individual or firm that buys and sells options, futures contracts, and stocks and bonds for a commission fee.
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browse
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(1) Woody or brushy plants (e.g., sagebrush, shadscale, and other shrubs and bushes). (2) Cattle feeding on the tender shoots or twigs of woody or brushy plants.
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brucellosis
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Contagious bacterial disease that results in abortions. See also Bang’s disease.
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BSE
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Breeding soundness examination- Evaluation of the reproductive potential of the bull giving the reproductive trait; a physical examination, measuring involves scrotal circumference, and evaluating a semen sample for motility and morphology OR Bovine spongiform encephalopathy- A degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system of cattle.
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budget
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(1) Financial form prepared in advance and used as a guide to help manage financial aspects of a beef operation. (2) Financial form used to examine alternative plans for a beef operation and to estimate the profitability of each alternative.
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bull
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Bovine male. The term usually denotes animals of breeding age.
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buller-steer syndrome
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Behavior problem in which a steer is sexually attracted to other steers in the pen. The buller steer is ridden by other steers, resulting in poor performance and potential for injury.
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bulling
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Term describing a cow or heifer in estrus being mounted by her peers.
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bullock
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Young bull, typically less than 20 months of age.
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butt-branded
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Hides from cattle that are hot-iron branded on the hip.
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buttons
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(1)Cartilage on dorsal processes of the thoracic vertebrae . See also cotyledon. (2) Horn buttons (or buds) are the origination of a calf’s horns.
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BVD
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Bovine viral diarrhea. Viral disease in cattle that can cause diarrhea, lesions of the digestive tract, and repeated breeding, abortion, mummification, and congenital defects.
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bypass protein
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Feed protein that escapes microbial degradation in the rumen (bypasses the rumen) and is digested in the small intestine.
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by-product or co-product
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Product of less value than the major product. For example, the hide and offal are by-products while beef is the major product.
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C-section
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Caesarean section. Delivery of fetus through the opening created by incisions through the abdominal and uterine walls.
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Caesarean section
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Delivery of fetus through the opening created by incisions through the abdominal and uterine walls.
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calf
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Young male or female bovine animal under 1 year of age.
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calf crop
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Percent calf crop. The percentage of calves produced within a herd in a given year relative to the number of cows and heifers exposed to breeding.
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calorie
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Amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 g of water 1°C at Standard Temperature and Pressure.
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calve
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Giving birth to a calf.
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calving difficulty
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Abnormal or difficult labor, causing difficulty in delivering the calf. See also dystocia.
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calving interval
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Time (days or months) between the birth of a calf and the birth of a subsequent calf, both from the same cow.
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calving season
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Season(s) of the year when calves are born.
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cancer eye
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Cancerous growth on the eyeball or eyelid.
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carcass evaluation
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Techniques for measuring components of meat quality and quantity in carcasses.
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carcass merit
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Value of a carcass for consumption.
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carotene
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Orange pigment found in leafy plants (e.g., alfalfa), yellow corn, and other feeds that can be broken down to form two molecules of vitamin A.
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carrier
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Heterozygous individual having one recessive gene and one dominant gene for a given pair of genes (alleles).
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carrying capacity
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(1) The maximum stocking rate that will achieve a target level of animal performance on a particular grazing unit under a specified grazing method. (2) The potential number of animals or liveweight that may be supported on a unit area for a grazing season based on forage potential.
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case-ready
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Beef cuts received by the retailer that do not require further processing before they are put in the retail case for sale.
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cash flow
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Cash receipts and cash expenses.
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cash-flow budget
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Detailed estimate of the projected cash receipts and expenses over a future period of time used to evaluate the financial feasibility of a plan.
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cash-flow statement
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Financial statement summarizing all cash receipts and disbursements over a period of time (usually monthly for a year).
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cash market price
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Price that results when cattle are marketed.
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cash method of accounting
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An accounting method by which revenue and expenses are recorded when the cash is received or paid out.
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castrate
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(1) To remove the testicles. (2) An animal that has had its testicles removed.
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cattalo
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Animal resulting from a cross between domestic cattle and bison, male offspring are typically sterile. e.g. Bos taurus x Bison bison. See also beefalo.
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Cattle-Fax
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Not-for-profit marketing organization governed by cattle producers. Market analysis and information is provided to members by a staff of market analysts.
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Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB)
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Responsible for the management of the Beef Checkoff program, oversees the collection of $1 per head on sales of domestic cattle as well as the equivalent on imported cattle, beef, and beef products,.
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CBB
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Cattlemen’s Beef Board. Responsible for the management of the Beef Checkoff program, oversees the collection of $1 per head on sales of domestic cattle as well as the equivalent on imported cattle, beef, and beef products,.
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central test
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Location where animals are assembled from several herds to evaluate differences in certain performance traits under uniform management conditions. Usually involves breeding bulls, though some slaughter steer and heifer tests exist.
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Certified Angus Beef
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Branded-beef product supplied by Angus or Angus-crossbred cattle that meets certain carcass specifications.
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cervix
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Portion of the female reproductive tract between the vagina and the uterus. It is usually sealed by thick mucus except when the female is in estrus or delivering offspring.
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checkoff
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Beef Checkoff program. Beef Promotion and Research Act established in October 1986. Each time cattle are marketed, $1 per head is paid by the seller to the Beef Industry Council (BIC). Money is used in promotion, research, and education. Generates approximately $70 million per year.
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chorion
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Outermost layer of fetal membranes.
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chromosome
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Rodlike or stringlike body found in the nucleus of the cell that is darkly stained by chrome dyes. The chromosome contains the genes.
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chronic
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Regular appearance of a symptom or situation.
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chuck
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Wholesale cut (shoulder) of the beef carcass.
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class
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Group of cattle determined primarily by sex and age (e.g., market class or show-ring class).
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clitoris
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A highly-sensitive organ, part of the female genetalia, located inside the ventral part of the vulva. It is homologous to the male penis.
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clone
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Genetically-identical organisms produced by nucleus substitution or embryo division.
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closed herd
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Herd in which no outside breeding stock (cattle) are introduced.
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cod
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Scrotal area of steer remaining after castration.
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cold shortening
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Sarcomeres as part of the muscle fiber, shorten too rapidly during the chilling of the carcass, thus decreasing meat tenderness.
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collagen
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Primary protein in connective tissue. Collagen envelops individual muscle fibers and attaches muscles to bones.
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collateral relatives
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Relatives of an individual that are not its ancestors or descendants. Brothers and sisters are examples of collateral relatives.
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colon
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Large intestine from the end of the ileum (lowest portion of small intestine) beginning with the cecum all the way to the anus.
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Colorado-branded
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Hides from cattle hot-iron branded on the ribs.
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colostrum
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First milk produced by a female following delivery of a calf. It is rich in antibodies that helps protect the newborn calf from disease-causing microorganisms.
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compensatory gain
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Faster-than-normal rate of gain following a period of restricted gain.
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compensatory growth
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Compensatory gain. Faster-than-normal rate of gain following a period of restricted gain.
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complementarity
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Using breed differences to achieve a more optimum additive and non-additive breed composition for production and carcass traits of economic value.
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composite breed
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Breed that has been formed by crossing two or more breeds.
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composition
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Usually refers to the carcass composition of fat, lean, and bone.
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Compudose®
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Growth implant containing estradiol and progesterone.
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computer
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Electronic machine which by means of stored instructions and information performs rapid, often complex, calculations or compiles, correlates, and selects data.
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concentrate
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Feed that is high in energy content low in fiber content, and highly digestible.
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conception
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Fertilization of the ovum (egg).
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conditioning
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Treatment of cattle by vaccination and other means prior to putting them in the feedlot.
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conformation
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Physical form of an animal; its shape and arrangement of parts.
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congenital
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Acquired during prenatal life. Condition exists at birth. Often used in the context of congenital (birth) defects.
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contemporaries
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Group of animals of the same sex and breed (or similar breeding) that have been raised under similar environmental conditions (same management group).
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continental breed
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European breed. Breed originating in European countries other than England (these are called British breeds); a larger dual-purpose breed such as Charolais, Simmental, and Limousin; also called a continental or exotic breed in the United States.
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continuous grazing
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A method of grazing where animals have unrestricted access to an entire grazing unit throughout a large portion or all of a grazing season.
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controlled grazing
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Grazing management designed to improve utilization of forage either by 1) allocating pasture in subunits with grazing periods typically less than 5 days or 2) varying stocking rate to match forage growth rate and availability (put-and-take stocking).
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cooler
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A room in harvest (packing) plant where carcasses are chilled after harvest (slaughter) and prior to processing.
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co-product or by-product
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Product of less value than the major product. For example, the hide and offal are co-products while beef is the major product.
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corpus luteum
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Yellowish body in the ovary. The cells that were follicular cells develop into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone. It becomes yellow in color from the yellow lipids that are in the cells.
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correlation coefficient
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Measure of how two traits vary together. A correlation of +1.00 means that two traits will move in the same direction (either increase or decrease). A correlation of -1.00 means that as one trait increases the other decreases--a perfect negative, or inverse, relationship. A correlation of 0.00 means that as one trait increases, the other may increase or decrease--no consistent relationship. Correlation coefficients may vary between +1.00 and -1.00.
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cost of gain
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Total of all costs divided by the total pounds gained; usually expressed on a per-pound basis.
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cotyledon
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Area where the placenta and the uterine lining are in close association such that nutrients can pass to and wastes can pass from the circulation of the developing young. See also button.
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cow
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Sexually mature female bovine animal that has birthed at least one calf.
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cow-calf operation
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Management unit that maintains a breeding herd and produces weaned calves.
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cow hocked
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Condition in which the hocks are close together but the feet stand apart.
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creep
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Enclosure where calves can enter to obtain feed but cows cannot enter. This process is called creep feeding.
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creep feeding
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Enclosure where calves can enter to obtain feed but cows cannot enter. This process is called creep feeding.
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creep grazing
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The practice of allowing calves to graze areas that cows cannot access.
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crest
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Bulging, top part of the neck on a bull.
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crossbred
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Animal produced by crossing two or more breeds.
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crossbreeding
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Mating animals from different breeds. Utilized to take advantage of hybrid vigor (heterosis) and breed complimentarity.
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cryptorchidism
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Retention of one or both testicles in the abdominal cavity.
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cud
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Bolus of feed that cattle regurgitate for further chewing.
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cull
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(1) To eliminate one or more animals from the breeding herd. (2) An animal eliminated, either voluntarily or involuntarily, from the breeding herd.
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currentness
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Marketing term indicating how feedlots market fed cattle. If current, then feedlots market cattle on schedule. If feedlots are not current, then a backlog of cattle usually results--these cattle typically have higher slaughter weights, poorer yield grades, and usually lower prices.
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custom feeding
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Cattle feeders who provide facilities, labor, feed, and care as a service but they do not own the cattle.
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cutability
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Fat, lean, and bone composition of the beef carcass. Used interchangeably with yield grade. See also yield grades.
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cutting chute
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Narrow chute, where cattle go through in single file, with gates such that selected animals can be diverted into pens alongside the chute; also referred to as a sorting chute.
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cwt
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Abbreviation for hundredweight (100 lb).
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cycling
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Infers that nonpregnant females are having an estrous cycle or “cycling”.
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dam
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Female parent.
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dark cutter
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Color of the lean (muscle) in the carcass has a dark appearance, usually caused by stress (excitement) to the animal prior to harvest (slaughter).
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deflation
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General decrease in prices that increases the purchasing power of a dollar.
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dehorn
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To remove the horns (or horn bud/buttons) of an animal.
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deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
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Molecule that comprises the genetic material of animals. Genes are units of DNA.
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depreciation
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Decrease in the value of an asset due to age, use, and obsolescence; the prorated expense of owning an asset.
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dewclaws
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Hard, horny structures above the hoof on the rear surface of the legs of cattle.
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dewlap
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Loose skin under the chin and neck of cattle.
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digestibility
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Quality of being digestible. If a high percentage of a given feed taken into the digestive tract is absorbed into the body, that feed is said to have high digestibility.
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direct selling
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Selling cattle from one ranch to another, from ranch to feedlot, or from feedlot to packer without an intermediate party.
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disease
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Any deviation from the normal state of health.
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DM
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Dry matter. Feed after water (moisture) has been removed (100% dry).
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DNA
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Deoxyribonucleic acid. Molecule that comprises the genetic material of animals. Genes are units of DNA.
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DNA markers
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Areas of the genome at which differences in the DNA sequence can be visually detected. A marker locus by itself may not have a direct effect on a phenotypic trait, but it may be located close to a gene that does directly affect a trait. Markers can serve as location reference points for gene mapping and marker-assisted selection.
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DNA probe
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A method to determine an animal’s genotype for a particular gene or marker.
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dominance
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One (dominant) allele masks the effect of another (recessive) allele.
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double-entry accounting
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System of bookkeeping in which every transaction is recorded as a debit in one or more accounts and as a credit in one or more accounts such that the total of the debit entries equals the total of the credit entries.
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double-muscling
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A simple recessive trait evidenced by an enlargement of the muscles with large grooves between the muscle systems, especially noticeable in the hind leg.
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drench
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To give fluid by mouth.
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dressed beef
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Carcasses from cattle.
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dressing percentage
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Percentage of the live animal weight that becomes the carcass weight at harvest (slaughter). It is determined by dividing the carcass weight by the liveweight and multiplying by 100. Also referred to as yield.
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drop
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Body parts removed at harvest (slaughter), primarily the hide, head, shanks, and offal.
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drop credit
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Value of the drop.
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dropped
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Being born (e.g., “the calf is dropped”).
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dry (cow)
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Refers to a non-lactating female.
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dry matter
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Feed after water (moisture) has been removed (100% dry).
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dystocia
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Difficult birth; see calving difficulty.
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ear mark
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Method of permanent identification by which slits or notches are placed in the ear.
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ear tag
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Method of identification by which a numbered, lettered, and/or colored tag is placed in the ear.
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early maturity
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Early puberty as the animal begins to fatten early, sometimes before desired harvest (slaughter) weight is attained.
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EBV
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Breeding value- Value of an animal as a parent. The working definition is twice the difference in performance between a very large number of progeny and the population average when individuals are mated at random within the population and all progeny are managed alike. The difference is doubled because only a sample half (one gene of each pair) is transmitted from a parent to each progeny. Expected progeny difference (EPD)- One-half of the breeding value of a sire or dam; the difference in expected performance of future progeny of a sire, when compared with that expected from future progeny of bulls in the same sire summary.
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economic efficiency
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Ratio of output value to cost of input.
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economic value
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The net return within a herd for making a pound or percentage change of the trait in question.
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edema
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Abnormal fluid accumulation in the intercellular tissue spaces of the body.
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efficiency
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Ratio of output to input. See also biological efficiency; economic efficiency.
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80%-20% rule
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Basic rule of management. Too often managers expend 80% of their efforts on “the trivial many” problems that produce only 20% of the results. Effective managers recognize that spending time (20%) on problems or situations that count most, will produce 80% of the desired results.
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ejaculation
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Discharge of semen from the male.
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emaciation
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Thinness; loss of flesh such that bony structures (hips, ribs, and vertebrae) become prominent.
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embryo
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Fertilized egg in its early stages of development (undifferentiated); after body parts can be distinguished it is known as a fetus.
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embryo splitting
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Dividing an embryo into two or more similar parts to produce several calves from a single embryo. |
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embryo transfer (ET)
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Transfer of fertilized egg(s) from a donor female to one or more recipient females.
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Endangered Species Act (ESA)
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A regulatory statute intended to protect threatened and endangered species by preserving the ecosystems on which they depend.
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endocrine gland
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Ductless gland that secretes a hormone into the bloodstream.
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energy
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Force, or power, that is used to drive a wide variety of systems. It can be used as power of mobility in animals, but most of it is used as chemical energy to drive reactions necessary to convert feed into animal products and to keep animals warm and functioning.
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enterprise
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Segment of the cattle business or an associated business that is isolated by accounting procedures so that its revenue and expenses can be identified.
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enterprise budget
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Detailed list of all estimated revenue and expenses associated with a specific enterprise.
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environment
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Total of all external (nongenetic) conditions that affect the well-being and performance of an animal.
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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Independent agency of the federal government established to protect the nation’s environment from pollution and other hazards.
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enzyme
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Complex protein produced by living cells that causes changes in other substances in cells without being changed itself and without becoming a part of the product.
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EPA
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Environmental Protection Agency. Independent agency of the federal government established to protect the nation’s environment from pollution and other hazards.
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EPD
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Expected progeny difference. One-half of the breeding value of a sire or dam; the difference in expected performance of future progeny of a sire, when compared with that expected from future progeny of bulls in the same sire summary.
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epididymis
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Long, coiled tubule leading from the testis to the vas deferens.
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epididymitis
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Inflammation of the epididymis.
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epistatis
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Situation in which a gene or gene pair masks (or controls) the expression of another nonallelic pair of genes.
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equity
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Net worth. Represents the owner’s claim on the assets of a business: net worth = assets - liabilities.
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eruction or eructation
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Elimination of gas by belching.
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esophageal groove
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Groove in the reticulum between the esophagus and omasum. Directs milk consumed by a nursing calf directly from the esophagus to the omasum.
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estrogen
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Any hormone (including estradiol, estriol, and estrone) that causes the female to express esturs (heat) and to be receptive to the male. Estrogens are produced by the follicle of the ovary and by the placenta and have additional body functions.
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estrous
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Adjective that modifies such words as cycle. The estrous cycle is the heat cycle, or the time from one period of heat to the next. Estrus is the period of heat (sexual receptivity) within the estrous cycle.
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estrous synchronization
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Controlling the estrous cycle so that a high percentage of the females in the herd express estrus at approximately the same time.
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estrus
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Period of mating activity (sexual receptiveness) in the heifer or cow. Same as heat.
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ET
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Embryo transfer. Transfer of fertilized egg(s) from a donor female to one or more recipient females.
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ethology
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Study of animal behavior.
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EU
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European Union. Group of European countries (25 in 2008) whose major objective is to coordinate the development of economic activities. Previously called The European Economic community, European community, and Common Market.
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European breed
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Breed originating in European countries other than England (these are called British breeds); a larger dual-purpose breed such as Charolais, Simmental, and Limousin; also called a continental or exotic breed in the United States.
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European Union
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Group of European countries (25 in 2008) whose major objective is to coordinate the development of economic activities. Previously called The European Economic community, European community, and Common Market.
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eviserate
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Removal of the internal organs during the harvesting (slaughtering) process.
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exotic breed
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European breed. Breed originating in European countries other than England (these are called British breeds); a larger dual-purpose breed such as Charolais, Simmental, and Limousin; also called a continental or exotic breed in the United States.
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